The desire to be competitive is in us. Whether in sports, educational achievements, business transactions, or even in our churches, we allow competition to drive our agendas. Competitiveness is one of those characteristics walking the line between the good and the dreadful.

It reminds me of an old Bible study conversation around Matthew 10:16 where Jesus called the disciples to be “as shrewd as snakes.” Being shrewd is helpful when we encounter challenges in life, but it can also be used to take advantage of others, which is why we must consider Jesus’ entire message when he called his disciples to also be “as innocent as doves.” 

Many of us live in a world of competition. We compete to have more things, to have a better legacy or credibility, or simply to have more glory. We live in a world where competition is used to win something more, but how does that idea interact with the life Jesus has called us to live? 

"In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory." - Ephesians 1:11-12

The letter to the Ephesians is written by Paul to encourage the church to remember everything there is to win has already been won. Paul reminds them that though the world around them seems to move against them, Christ has given them the victory already. And there is nothing else that will happen now or in the future that can add or subtract anything from God’s eternal glory.

So, if you are anxious about anything, take a moment to remember everything Christ came to accomplish has already been accomplished.

Written by Isa Torres, associate director for content development for Buckner International.